One of the world’s leading manufacturers of original equipment friction material and the global replacement parts market, TMD Friction, has enhanced its coverage across the Middle East and Africa with the expansion of its Japanese brand, Nisshinbo.

TMD Friction, which is a Nisshinbo Group Company, currently supplies a full braking solution for European applications with its premium OE brand, Textar. Following the launch of Nisshinbo in early 2017 within the region, the manufacturer will now extend its range to offer a truly global offering for the aftermarket in the Middle East and Africa with a matching premium product for Asian applications through its Japanese OE brand Nisshinbo.

The initial range included 320 brake pads and 210 brake discs and will increase to 490 brake pads and 310 brake discs by the end of 2017.

Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that Nisshinbo Automotive Manufacturing, Inc. (NAMI), a leading manufacturer and supplier of environmentally friendly brake pads, will create 100 jobs and invest $72 million in an expansion of its Covington facility. New jobs at the facility will include positions in production and administration.

“Georgia provides the business climate, skilled workforce and thriving automotive sector necessary for manufacturers like NAMI to enjoy long-term growth,” said Deal. “With this facility expansion in Newton County, NAMI will continue to benefit from close proximity to top vehicle manufacturers while also reaching customers across the nation and around the world with Georgia’s logistics infrastructure. I am encouraged to see our international economic missions once again delivering tangible results, as NAMI’s commitment directly reflects the strength of Georgia’s manufacturing environment for global industry leaders. We appreciate NAMI’s investment over the last 20 years and look forward to the future growth of this partnership.”

NAMI has maintained a presence in Newton County for more than two decades. Along with NAMI’s business development center in Sterling Heights, Michigan, NAMI’s facility in Newton County produces high-quality friction materials for automotive manufacturers and develops environmentally friendly, copper-free brake pads.

“NAMI is honored to make this announcement together with the Governor’s Office and the Newton County Industrial Development Authority,” said NAMI CEO Shigeru Matsuki. “We have been very proud to call Covington our home for the last 20 years, and this additional investment demonstrates our commitment to the local community and to the Great State of Georgia. Newton County and the State of Georgia are wonderful places to do business. We hope to grow here with the people of Covington for the next 20 years and beyond.”

“Nisshinbo has been an indispensable partner in Covington for 20 years,” said Select Newton Vice President of Economic Development David Bernd. “Seeing more than $70 million in Foreign Direct Investment for 100 well-paying advanced manufacturing careers is incredible. Congrats to the Nisshinbo team, State of Georgia and the greater Covington region for going out and winning this project.”

Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) Project Manager for International Investment Joseph Huntemann represented the Global Commerce Division in partnership with Select Newton.

Japanese-affiliated companies currently operate more than 500 facilities in Georgia that employ approximately 30,000 Georgians.

“We had the opportunity to meet with NAMI leadership last year in Japan, and we are very excited to see this incredible company expand in Newton County,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “NAMI’s success in Georgia is a combination of our strong international relationships and pro-business environment. We look forward to their continued success.”